HARRISBURG − January 16, 2025 − State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) today announced that three entities in Senate District 44 have received $255,000 in state grants to benefit local career and technical education programs.
The local funding was part of $4.5 million in Competitive Equipment Grant funding awarded to 58 career and technical centers (CTCs) and school districts by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“It is crucial that our Commonwealth continues to fund and support career and technical education, creating opportunities for students to explore rewarding trades and careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree,” Muth said. “Our CTCs across SD44 and throughout Pennsylvania excel at equipping students with the skills and training they need to succeed in the workforce. I am proud to see this funding return to our district to enhance programming and open doors for students to pursue diverse career paths.”
In SD44, Octorara Area School District received $85,000 to modernize its Homeland Security Law Enforcement, Firefighting and related programs by purchasing self-contained breathing equipment. Western Montgomery CTC and Chester County Technical College High School also each received $85,000 grants to support their programming.
Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in approved career and technical education programs. The equipment must be aligned with the needs of employers, and programming must provide students with hands-on use of the equipment as part of the curriculum.
Click here for more information about all of the grant recipients statewide.